Yes, Even a Harlot

The message this morning is taken from John 4:7-26.

We are in our 3rd week of  probing the subject “As for me and my house we will WORSHIP the Lord.”  This very familiar text spoke to me this week in a way in which it has not in the past.  In the big picture naturally is Jesus at Jacob’s well in Samaria, sitting in conversation with a woman, asking her for water.  Let’s call that  the “Initial attention grabber.” When you insert the historical fact that Jews and Samaritans were not exactly on speaking terms,  the conversation begins to take on a different shape.  Add to this that a woman would never engage a man in public conversation without her husband present, adds another layer to this intense drama.  During the conversation Jesus, determined to get her attention, mentions the reality that she has had five husbands, and the one she is currently with is not her husband.  Instantly, the conversation was diverted to speaking of worship because the woman didn’t want Jesus to focus on who she was- and that is what hit me.  Many of us after disclosing the type of woman she was would have dismissed her as being a harlot, therefore ending the conversation.  Jesus used this moment, to teach us that ALL are welcome in the kingdom, regardless their past or present condition.  And if he, could sit, and talk to a woman of her background with the intention of helping her to become a true worshipper of God, who are we to give up on anyone?  I thank God today for this reminder, and I will intensify my prayers for those who choose to turn their backs on God-even when a part of me, attempts to convince me, that it is time to write them off.  Jesus, I thank you for the lesson this week, I really needed it.  Blessings.

​~Lamar